Norwegians in for Blues

A GIANT Scandinavian shipping company is poised to invest millions in Manchester City. Norwegian-based Inge Steensland AS, one of the world's biggest tanker operators which also has interests in Singapore, has been monitoring the Blues' gloomy financial position and is ready to make a move - possibly within the next two weeks.

A GIANT Scandinavian shipping company is poised to invest millions in Manchester City.

Norwegian-based Inge Steensland AS, one of the world's biggest tanker operators which also has interests in Singapore, has been monitoring the Blues' gloomy financial position and is ready to make a move - possibly within the next two weeks.

A full takeover of the club, which has just reported a record debt of é62m, is on the Oslo-based company's agenda but it is also mulling over whether to just splash out on shares without taking a controlling interest instead.

Morten Andersen, a senior Steensland director, who is the prime mover behind the multi-million pound investment plan, said: "Hopefully, talks will begin in the near future."

However, City were quick to deny the bid today, admitting talks had taken place but claiming that Andersen was not looking to invest substantial funds.

Andersen is a friend of City and England legend Peter Barnes. They met 20 years ago when Barnes addressed a meeting of the 1,000-strong Norwegian branch of the City supporters club.

Barnes, vice-chairman of the branch, is acting as a Mr Fix-it by arranging for 45-year-old millionaire Andersen along with the 82-year-old Inge Steensland - the founder of the shipping company - to talk with City chairman John Wardle. Barnes refused to comment, other than to confirm he is aware of the developments and that he would "always try to act in the best interests of the club".

Wardle has sunk much of his personal fortune into the Blues and has been a reluctant chairman since taking over from David Bernstein 18 months ago. He is manager Kevin Keegan's biggest supporter on the Blues' five-man board.

Although City announced a record debt last week, the club's turnover was up and Wardle is insistent the club accounts are under control. But he has continued to bankroll the Blues with around é10m of the money he has made as the founder of Bury-based JD Sports.

The move by the Norwegians will, unlike other approaches, be enthusiastically welcomed by Wardle and the rest of the board.

Wardle said: "I'm only too pleased to meet and discuss any investment opportunities with these gentlemen."

If the talks do lead to a substantial investment in the club, it will be a welcome boost for Keegan ahead of the January transfer window.

Earlier this year another former player, Ray Ranson, was thwarted in his efforts to land a place on the board in return for an investment of é1m. And City won't be making any overtures to former Coventry City chairman Bryan Richardson, who was last week reported to be interested in buying into the club.

The Blues have been trying to woo money men and broadcasting of City's Premiership matches has helped build substantial support for the club throughout Scandinavia. Andersen, who became a huge fan during the Lee-Summerbee-Bell era, has a dedicated "blue room" full of club memorabilia in his home. He and his family travel to Eastlands for most home fixtures and he has already met Keegan in an unofficial capacity.